Panel Backs Repeal Of Physician Liability

May 6, 1986|The Orlando Sentinel

TALLAHASSEE — The Senate Commerce Committee voted overwhelmingly Monday to repeal the requirement that physicians carry liability insurance by Jan. 1, which was a key element of the medical malpractice law passed last year.

The committee also passed a weakened bill that would revoke the liquor licenses of private business clubs that discriminately choose their members.

With the support of the Florida Medical Association, the committee voted to repeal the insurance requirement for doctors, 8-3. Sen. William ``Doc`` Myers, R-Hobe Sound, said he sponsored the bill (SB 853) because the insurance requirement was based on the false assumption that liability rates would go down after the medical malpractice legislation was passed last year. Myers, who is a physician, said it would be unfair to require something of a profession that is either unaffordable or unavailable.

The anti-discrimination bill (CS/SB 1) sponsored by Sen. Jack Gordon, D-Miami Beach, would strip private clubs that discriminate on the basis of sex, race, religion or national origin of their state-issued liquor licenses. The bill, co-sponsored by 25 of the 40 senators, originally exempted fraternal, ethnic and religious clubs but an amendment proposed by Sen. Roberta Fox, D-Miami, extended the exemption to social clubs, as well.

THE DAY IN TALLAHASSEE

THE HOUSE: Tanks: Voted 114-0 to approve a bill (CS-HB 270) that would require plumbing contractors to be licensed to install underground storage tanks. To Senate.

Elderly: Voted 93-22 for a bill (CS-HB 700) that would crack down on operators of unlicensed residences for the elderly. To Senate.